My cucumber plants are failing. They looked pretty healthy for a while, but then they got aphids. I sprayed them with soapy water. The aphids mostly died. Then I saw lady bug larvae! They eat aphids! Woo hoo! I stopped spraying.
But the cucumbers continue to look bad. The leaves are shriveling and dying . The stems look spindly too. I think it’s only a matter of time.
I am so sorry. Go, ladybugs, go! Clean up those leaves like Eric Carle told us you could!! We’re counting on you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmps2_p9A7c
Ode to the sickly cucumber (ahem):
When feeling ill from aphid fear
Rejoice! The lady bug is here!
While this year’s crop may sickly be
‘Tween soapy suds and larvae three*
Some future cukes might just be saved!
Keep lanai farming – do be brave!
Wishing you a bumper crop
Of other veggies – do not stop
To ponder this year’s tragic loss.
Just show those aphid creeps who’s boss!!
* (though I hope you had more than three but I digress)
Thank you…I’ll be here all week. Actually, until further notice thanks to the youknowwhat virus…
Too bad about the aphid salad bar! I totally understand and have had many all you can eats here too! Meanwhile, take off the ugly/spent leaves and that might help the plant. It takes energy to for a plant to “decay” so if that part is gone then all energy is going to regrowth! My motto is, if it doesn’t look good, get rid of it! Applies to all walks of life…. furniture, clothing, out dated items, excess parts of the body due to ice cream, wine, French fries, pizza, (all my favorites) etc. You get the idea. Never give up!